“We believe in Africa’s promise, we are committed to Africa’s future, and we will be partners with Africa’s people.”– Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

“I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world.”– President Barack Obama

The United States has been a strong advocate of the nations of Africa since their independence, and remains determined to support its African partners in achieving the shared long-term goals of democracy, stability, and prosperity.

U.S. - Africa Policy Priorities

To help build strong and stable democracies

To support economic growth and development

To strengthen public health

To help prevent, mitigate and resolve armed conflicts

To address transnational challenges

Building Strong and Stable DemocraciesGovernments that respect the will of their peoples and govern by consent are more successful and more stable than governments that do not. The United States will work with the international community and civil society in Africa to strengthen democratic institutions, including independent elections commissions, and to preserve the democratic gains made in recent years.

Supporting Economic Growth and DevelopmentThe Obama Administration’s new $3.5 billion dollar food security initiative, Feed the Future, will assist 12 African focus countries. It will complement their own efforts under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program to provide critical tools to farmers, allowing them to build local capacity to expand production. The U.S. is also committed to working with our African partners to maximize the opportunities created by the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

Strengthening Public Health SystemsThe African continent continues to suffer from the ravages of HIV/AIDS, malaria, cholera, tuberculosis, and hepatitis. The United States is a leading provider of drugs and treatment to those affected by these diseases, and the Administration has pledged to continue the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program and to commit an additional $63 billion over the next five years to meet public health challenges throughout Africa. The United States remains committed to working side-by-side with African governments and civil society to ensure that quality treatment, prevention, and care are easily accessible to communities throughout Africa.

Helping To Prevent, Mitigate, and Resolve Armed ConflictsAfrica contains many fragile states. Somalia remains locked in a state of war while the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to struggle to defeat rebel forces operating in the eastern part of the country. Tensions are mounting in Southern Sudan. President Obama has demonstrated his commitment to ending armed conflict on the continent by appointing a Special Envoy for Sudan and a Special Advisor for the Great Lakes. The United States is committed to supporting the African Union’s vision of an African Peace and Security Architecture, including the African Standby Force.

Working To Address Transnational ChallengesMany problems – including narcotics trafficking, climate change, trafficking in persons, and violent extremism – jump across national borders and defy easy solutions. The United States is working to help address transnational challenges by bolstering African maritime security and supporting the fight against violent extremism through programs like the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership and the East Africa Regional Strategy Initiative. The United States is committed to working with Africans to find viable solutions to the severe consequences of climate change and to build a sustainable, clean-energy global economy.